Black. White.

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 8, 2006
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 110 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 110
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 110
  3. Negative: 26 out of 110

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User Reviews

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  1. AbbyL
    Jul 6, 2007
    6
    To say that America is not racist is wrong. I, myself, as a black American have had to deal with idiots. This show makes me sad and happy at the same time. It makes me upset that they try to make it seem like blacks are hated by everyone, when in reality not everyone hates African Americans. It also makes me happy that they are trying to prove that racism is alive and well. And to the To say that America is not racist is wrong. I, myself, as a black American have had to deal with idiots. This show makes me sad and happy at the same time. It makes me upset that they try to make it seem like blacks are hated by everyone, when in reality not everyone hates African Americans. It also makes me happy that they are trying to prove that racism is alive and well. And to the idiots that say America's racist population is 'booming' because of this show, clearly are mislead.… Expand
  2. SarahR
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    America needs more of this!
  3. KarenS
    Sep 10, 2006
    9
    Whenever I watch this show, I am completely enthralled--I begin analyzing what I think about the whole race issue and why I have my ideas. I gave the show a nine out of ten, though, because of one issue that keeps rearing its ugly head but has not been dealt with yet. The issue is: who is able to say the 'n' word? I personally believe that no one should say it, white or black. Whenever I watch this show, I am completely enthralled--I begin analyzing what I think about the whole race issue and why I have my ideas. I gave the show a nine out of ten, though, because of one issue that keeps rearing its ugly head but has not been dealt with yet. The issue is: who is able to say the 'n' word? I personally believe that no one should say it, white or black. If we allow one race to say the word and then attack the other if they say it, we'll just be furthering the racism and solidifying the double standards. Why use a word that is so negatively racially charged, anyway?… Expand
  4. JoeH
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    Love this show when is the next season?
  5. HeinrichB
    May 4, 2006
    0
    This is all I want to say on the subject. It is a quote from an Ice Cube rap song.
  6. RossC
    Apr 24, 2006
    5
    The strength of the show is its casting. The biggest weakness of the show is its casting. It all depends on the producers' goals and the viewers' expectations. If they were shooting for outrageous reinforcement of the stereotypes both races hold--they chose a perfect mix of characters. The audience gets the entertainment factor they expect from so-called 'reality' The strength of the show is its casting. The biggest weakness of the show is its casting. It all depends on the producers' goals and the viewers' expectations. If they were shooting for outrageous reinforcement of the stereotypes both races hold--they chose a perfect mix of characters. The audience gets the entertainment factor they expect from so-called 'reality' television and enjoy the warm fuzzies that come from a voyeuristic camaraderie with several characters that share their perspectives on race. Every one tunes in to scoff at the bad guys and root for the good guys--an age-old (though tried and tired) formula that draws an audience and the subsequent ad revenue. If, on the other hand, you intend to produce television that leans toward the noble causes of mutual enlightenment, education and discovery--choose a cast with a few more folks like Rose. Her introspective and honest efforts in the project were a bubbling spring of hope amidst a desert full of racist clowns, self-righteously mugging for the camera to prove their deeply embedded and closely held point of view. Here's hoping for an engaging followup series where the cast of characters reflects the growing appetite for meaningful interaction between the races. Throw in a couple of racist goons from each family so we can get our giggles--but for goodness sake, give us more Roses that are willing to be real with themselves. What a concept for a true 'reality' show!… Expand
  7. PatB
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    This is the best reality show on television. It clearly shows the reality that most of white America claims doesn't exist anymore. A reality show like this is long overdue. I especially admire the brave families participating in the show.
  8. SLee
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    The show exposes the truth about race that whites are un-willing to own up to or admit. It peels aways the perception and the hypocrisy that not only affects and shows the true nature of White America but how it deals with other races through out the world. To receive fairness (or any God given right from white America) you have to have money or a resource that they want and then and only The show exposes the truth about race that whites are un-willing to own up to or admit. It peels aways the perception and the hypocrisy that not only affects and shows the true nature of White America but how it deals with other races through out the world. To receive fairness (or any God given right from white America) you have to have money or a resource that they want and then and only then, will you have white America's attention, tolerance and exceptance.… Expand
  9. Ray
    Apr 6, 2006
    8
    I am looking forward to seeing the new season because i don't think the people in this season were ready for it. I think Bruno and Rose are the only ones that are completely open minded and completely not racist. I think Carmen was open to the new ideas but this kind of idea was out of her realm. She may be a nice lady but she is a complete ditz and possibly a little scared of the I am looking forward to seeing the new season because i don't think the people in this season were ready for it. I think Bruno and Rose are the only ones that are completely open minded and completely not racist. I think Carmen was open to the new ideas but this kind of idea was out of her realm. She may be a nice lady but she is a complete ditz and possibly a little scared of the black race. I think that Brian is a complete racist and acually spends time looking for problems between black/white race. He is overly sensative and offended too easilly. Andrea was very aprehensive in the beginning but she has come around and I believe her slight racism can be worked with. Their son didn't have anough exposure. My summary of this season is that Bruno, Carmen and Rose were more involved as a family to really trying to learn about the black race. Brian, Andrea and their son were more involved in trying to prove their is white against black racism. From this season, I concluded ONLY from these families and the location they shot, there is more black against white racism. Again, looking forward to next season with different famlies and different lacations.… Expand
  10. keyonnat
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    I can't find the show on anymore does it still come on & what time?
  11. angelb
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    I love the show mostly because it is interesting. It interesting to see how the teens on the show are more open then the adults.
  12. NikkiC
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    The show makes you think. It's excellent and I want to see another season/series. Good for both races to see.
  13. BrandiP.
    Apr 5, 2006
    7
    The show is good for the purpose of getting people to talk about race. Otherwise, it is a load of BS. I find that the families are both a bit onesided and not so willing to be open minded. I will say that Bruno pisses me off to the fullest. What people need to realize is that the world is racist and that we need to be honest about this fact before solveging it. By racist I don't be The show is good for the purpose of getting people to talk about race. Otherwise, it is a load of BS. I find that the families are both a bit onesided and not so willing to be open minded. I will say that Bruno pisses me off to the fullest. What people need to realize is that the world is racist and that we need to be honest about this fact before solveging it. By racist I don't be individually, I mean systemically and institutionally. This is a white world and everyone needs to just face it.… Expand
  14. StacyJ
    Apr 4, 2006
    6
    I think that the idea of the show was genious and that these issues need to be discussed in ways that reveal what people are really thinking. I however think that as a social project it has failed to do so, racist comments are made, intense racial dynamics are involved in the interactions of the people and they go unconfronted and unexplained. Bruno still after 4 weeks fails to see the I think that the idea of the show was genious and that these issues need to be discussed in ways that reveal what people are really thinking. I however think that as a social project it has failed to do so, racist comments are made, intense racial dynamics are involved in the interactions of the people and they go unconfronted and unexplained. Bruno still after 4 weeks fails to see the reality of racism and says constantly that blacks just haven't let go and implies that they are lazy and looking to be oppressed. No one mentioned that in my generation we may not say racial remarks but it doesn't mean that we don't think them. No one is calling this crap out. You can't put two families in a room and expect them to effectively discuss something that we are pretty much told our whole lives not to talk about, because it's in the past... The show needs a socioligist or some sort of counselor.… Expand
  15. carlac
    Apr 1, 2006
    9
    What a great show to open up a dialgogue about the current state of race relations. I think it is a great show that can be used as an educational tool in schools and in life.
  16. MeMyself
    Apr 1, 2006
    8
    I think it is provocative and gets better with each episode.
  17. CathyH
    Mar 31, 2006
    2
    This show is for the birds. This show is more onesided than ever. I have not seen the black family(Mother and Father)interact with any whites to learn the white culture. The black father need to learn from his son that this new generation is more mixed that our generation in the 70's and 80's. After reading some of the reviews, I agree that the families were not carefully This show is for the birds. This show is more onesided than ever. I have not seen the black family(Mother and Father)interact with any whites to learn the white culture. The black father need to learn from his son that this new generation is more mixed that our generation in the 70's and 80's. After reading some of the reviews, I agree that the families were not carefully picked. The white family seem to never been around blacks and the black family came in with a chip on their shoulder about the racism. The producer should have picked families with some simular life styles. The teens to me had their heads on and was willing to learn. I have a stong belief that our child of today can cut the racism if the parent have an open and willing heart. This show only brought out the worst and at the end of it all the parents still had an issue. I pray that Bruno and his wife marriage do not break up over this mess. Their love for each other is more than the racism in this world. Yes I am a black female in her 40.… Expand
  18. StephanieB
    Mar 31, 2006
    10
    I didn't want to watch it at first, but when I actually gave it a chance I was completely blown away! I can't wait to see the episodes I missed.
  19. sanl
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    My husband and I can hardly wait for each wed. night's new show. I am eagerly awaiting the white father's very first acknowledged racial slight.
  20. WendyI
    Mar 30, 2006
    9
    Instead of ignoringth existance of racism, this program exposes it for what is it: subtle, ugly and pervasive-even today.
  21. KatherineE
    Mar 30, 2006
    9
    The characters appear to be developing. Rose remains open and a witness to the experience. Carmen has undergone some kind of ephiphany, I suspect when whe and Bruno took a walk through the park as a mixed race couple. Bruno remains frozen in his conviction that racism is an excuse for personal unaccountability. The scene where he lectures the muscian was truly sad. Since the first episode The characters appear to be developing. Rose remains open and a witness to the experience. Carmen has undergone some kind of ephiphany, I suspect when whe and Bruno took a walk through the park as a mixed race couple. Bruno remains frozen in his conviction that racism is an excuse for personal unaccountability. The scene where he lectures the muscian was truly sad. Since the first episode it seems we are seeing less of Brian in social situations. The scene of Brian in the local white bar during the first episode was shocking in its revelation, but excellent commentary. But since then I haven't seem him interacting much outside the family setting. Renee, it seems, has not put herself out much and seem to be holding back and judging the process. I would like to see her more involved in public interactions. Nick is interesting. His turn around on the "n-word": was that truly a reframing of his thinking or was it a capitulation to his parents and the visit to the barbershop or did he in fact connect to a historical sense of persecution? Look, the show it great just because it is doing what it is doing, examing the issue of race relations through these families. As a production it is rough by the nature of its reality component and its attempt to dramatize everyday life. It ain't slick, but it does get one thinking.… Expand
  22. VIkI
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    Everyone needs to watch.
  23. acanadian
    Mar 29, 2006
    8
    This show makes you think.......and shows you just how racist american society really is. Bruno is a fucking joke by the way his wife needs to lose him.
  24. jill
    Mar 29, 2006
    1
    I think this show could be really good,, but it is portrayed the wrong way completely. There is no point being proven on either side except they are all idiots. If you had the white girl go in a store then a black girl to the same one and she was treated different ok.
  25. PamelaT
    Mar 29, 2006
    7
    First of all, Bruno needs to be kicked off. He is so embarassing to me as a white person. I love all people black or whatever. Bruno is making us look so ignorant and idiotic. I sure hope there are less people like him than the majority! Why can't we all just get along??? p.s. that rap that Bruno made up shows just how ignorant HE is!!
  26. RoseW
    Mar 29, 2006
    0
    This show in no way does justice to the views and attitudes of greater America. It is a huge gimmick involving two seemingly ignorant families and a predetermined storyline and it does nothing to break through stereotypes.
  27. SharonB
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    Like a breath of fresh air to see these issues confronted. Issues such as people burying their heads in the sand perpetually convincing themselves that racism does not exist and the pre-existing stereotypes, that cause the affected people damage, are just a figment of, those affected, imaginations. It illustrates that racism exists in both the black and white communities. I am a black Like a breath of fresh air to see these issues confronted. Issues such as people burying their heads in the sand perpetually convincing themselves that racism does not exist and the pre-existing stereotypes, that cause the affected people damage, are just a figment of, those affected, imaginations. It illustrates that racism exists in both the black and white communities. I am a black woman from Britain and sometimes I have been faced with the issue that I do not know where I belong since living in Florida. I have not felt completely accepted in the black community and I there are times I am convicted that some white people only like me because on the way I speak. I wish, hope and pray that this series has a positive impact on people to be kinder to one another and to try to accept the differences. Once people learn that color does not determine who you are or your destiny, communities will comprehend acceptence and black and white people may become more confident to live together. For now, it is the case that color determines how you are perceived and untimately treated and this is the barrier built though mis-conception, lack of education and in many cases bad parenting. As for those members in the black communty that have problems with white people before hate, albeit through pain and confusion, try thinking of those members in the white community that died for your black race and try to find peace in your heart. God bless all Gods children.… Expand
  28. JayK
    Mar 25, 2006
    0
    Should be called Black & Whacked. Could anybody as rediculous as Carmen be real ?
  29. BillO'Reilly
    Mar 25, 2006
    0
    This show is terrible!!! Mr. Sparks is a f@#$ing P@#$y. He bitches all the time about how hard he has it because he is black. F@#k him! He's got a great family and a great life. Some white towns don't want black people in them. Some black towns...excuse me... all black towns don't want white people in them. Granted the black towns are poor as hell, so they have a reason to This show is terrible!!! Mr. Sparks is a f@#$ing P@#$y. He bitches all the time about how hard he has it because he is black. F@#k him! He's got a great family and a great life. Some white towns don't want black people in them. Some black towns...excuse me... all black towns don't want white people in them. Granted the black towns are poor as hell, so they have a reason to be angry... but you think all poor people are black or all black people are poor? If a rich black man walked into that town and spoke properly, you know what? There would be prejidice against him too. He wouldn't be "black enough" to be there. If you want to segregate yourselves, fine. then don't expect me to want to support you with my tax money.… Expand
  30. DamarcusW
    Mar 24, 2006
    3
    For all the good this project attempts it still manages to shoot itself in the foot. By putting the two families together has, at best, marginally helped in their mutual understanding. However, the overall misunderstanding is significantly greater because each family represents their entire race. The ONLY saving grace of the families is Rose and sadly her voice hasn't so far been For all the good this project attempts it still manages to shoot itself in the foot. By putting the two families together has, at best, marginally helped in their mutual understanding. However, the overall misunderstanding is significantly greater because each family represents their entire race. The ONLY saving grace of the families is Rose and sadly her voice hasn't so far been strong enough to make a difference with the families and possibly with the viewers. Racism exists. Newsflash. But there is a such thing as personal accountability and rarely is that shown by any of the participants on this show. One side blindly rattles off incidents of victimization while the other counters with knee-jerk defenses. Where is there any understanding? It's early in the series but I really hope there comes a turning point in the show; it has potential. As the project continues I hope it becomes apparent that putting on makeup isn't actually walking a mile in someone else's shoes.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best TV Season of 2006
22
#22 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Charlie McCollum
    60
    What I've seen suggests an intriguing show, although there's something so contrived about the series that it makes me more than a bit uneasy.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    An endlessly curious and unexpectedly intelligent social experiment.
  3. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Joy Press
    70
    Black.White takes the reality subgenre to a whole new level, shining a beacon on American's most excruciating blind spot.
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